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Honnold Free-Solos the 1,750-Foot El Sendero Luminoso (5.12d)

Alex Honnold has free-soloed the Grade V big-wall route El Sendero Luminoso (5.12d) in El Potrero Chico, Mexico. The climb rises 1,750 feet up the limestone face of El Toro (The Bull), and sports 15 pitches--11 of which are rated 5.12. Honnold climbed the route in a mere three hours.

“Alex will downplay the achievement, but I can assure you this is one of the most cutting edge big-wall solos of all time,” reported Cedar Wright--one of Honnold's frequent climbing partners--to Outsideonline.com.

According to Outside's report, Wright had joined Honnold in Mexico last week and together they rehearsed the route, climbing it four times while also establishing a new exit section to the route in order to reach El Toro's true summit.

Comment

I am absolutely speechless. I get shivers just imagining this perspective with no rope attached. Alex, you are an inspiration not only climbing-wise but also pushing the general limits of what a man is capable of. But PLEASE take care of yourself - when there's nothing left for you to prove that you can do it all, please don't push it. And to anyone condemning Alex' latest achievement: I'm with you about the concerns, but it is a bit paradox telling him not to do what all of us actually know and admire him for, isn't it? Take care folks!